JETS (10-6) VS. RAIDERS (10-6)

David Bush

Published 4:00 am, Saturday, January 12, 2002

-- WHEN: 5 p.m.

-- WHERE: Network Associates Coliseum

-- TV: Channel 7

-- RADIO: KTCT 1050 (AM)

-- STORY LINE: This is just what the Raiders didn't want to do, play a game during wild card weekend. The reason they must work today is simply that they lost their last three games. That also casts some doubt about how far they can advance in the playoffs. The Jets qualified because of their win over the Raiders last Sunday in a game the Raiders dominated but still managed to lose. This is the Jets' first playoff appearance since 1998, but only their third since 1986. The Raiders haven't exactly been postseason regulars lately either.

They advanced to the AFC title game last season, but prior to that went six years with no playoff appearances.

-- WHEN JETS HAVE THE BALL: They probably will try to hand it to Curtis Martin, who has had success against everybody but the Raiders. In two years he has 2,717 yards rushing, but only 61 of those against Oakland in two games. The Jets probably will try harder to get him going than they did last Sunday, when he carried just 16 times. Vinny Testaverde's numbers (18-for-29 for 230 yards) were OK last week, but he did not have that good a day, throwing two interceptions. His completion percentage would have been lower without the acrobatic catches of wide receiver Wayne Chrebet, who can make the most erratic of quarterbacks look good. Oakland will try to pressure Testaverde again, although both starting defensive linemen, Rod Coleman and Grady Jackson,

are nursing injuries. The Raiders must not let the Jets make the big play as they did a week ago, but the New Yorkers do have memories.

-- WHEN RAIDERS HAVE THE BALL: A lot of their success will depend on Charlie Garner's health. If his foot keeps him out, or cuts down his activity, the Raiders are in trouble. He does things that none of their other backs can. Even with him, the Raiders have just been so-so running the ball. Jerry Rice has become increasingly more important to the Raiders' passing attack, and he has always been his best on the playoff stage. It will be interesting to see how he does with a team other than the 49ers at his advanced age. The battle between Raiders left tackle Barry Sims and Jets Pro Bowl defensive end John Abraham will be worth watching again. Abraham did get a sack last week, but that was the only one the Raiders allowed.